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I’m really confused about separating my hobbies and choosing a career
How can I be successful in pursuing a science related career?
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Chloe,
How to be Successful in Pursuing a Science-Related Career
1. Identify Your Interests and Strengths: To excel in a science-related career, it is crucial to identify your interests and strengths within the field of science. Consider which branches of science fascinate you the most - whether it’s biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, or any other specialization. Understanding your passions will help you choose a career path that aligns with your interests.
2. Pursue Relevant Education: Obtaining a solid educational foundation is essential for a successful career in science. Depending on your chosen field, pursue a relevant degree such as a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), or even a Ph.D. This education will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the scientific industry.
3. Gain Practical Experience: Hands-on experience is invaluable in the field of science. Look for internships, research opportunities, or part-time jobs that allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Practical experience not only enhances your skills but also makes you more attractive to potential employers.
4. Develop Strong Analytical Skills: Science careers often require strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Practice critical thinking, data analysis, and logical reasoning to excel in scientific research, experimentation, and analysis.
5. Network within the Scientific Community: Building a strong professional network within the scientific community can open doors to various opportunities. Attend conferences, seminars, workshops, and connect with professionals in your field of interest. Networking can lead to collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and valuable insights into the industry.
6. Stay Updated with Advancements: Science is a rapidly evolving field with new discoveries and technologies emerging constantly. Stay updated with the latest advancements by reading scientific journals, attending lectures, and following reputable scientific websites. Continuous learning is key to staying competitive in the ever-changing landscape of science.
7. Cultivate Perseverance and Resilience: Success in a science-related career often requires perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. Embrace failures as learning opportunities, stay persistent in pursuing your goals, and remain resilient in overcoming obstacles along your career path.
By following these steps and maintaining dedication to your goals, you can increase your chances of success in pursuing a science-related career.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Science Foundation (NSF): The National Science Foundation is a government agency that supports research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering. It provides valuable information on scientific advancements, funding opportunities, and resources for individuals pursuing careers in science.
Nature Research Journals: Nature Research Journals are renowned for publishing high-impact scientific research across various disciplines. Accessing articles from these journals can help individuals stay informed about cutting-edge developments in their respective fields of interest.
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS): The AAAS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world. It offers resources such as publications, conferences, and programs that support scientists at all stages of their careers.
God Bless You,
James C.
How to be Successful in Pursuing a Science-Related Career
1. Identify Your Interests and Strengths: To excel in a science-related career, it is crucial to identify your interests and strengths within the field of science. Consider which branches of science fascinate you the most - whether it’s biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, or any other specialization. Understanding your passions will help you choose a career path that aligns with your interests.
2. Pursue Relevant Education: Obtaining a solid educational foundation is essential for a successful career in science. Depending on your chosen field, pursue a relevant degree such as a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), or even a Ph.D. This education will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the scientific industry.
3. Gain Practical Experience: Hands-on experience is invaluable in the field of science. Look for internships, research opportunities, or part-time jobs that allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Practical experience not only enhances your skills but also makes you more attractive to potential employers.
4. Develop Strong Analytical Skills: Science careers often require strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Practice critical thinking, data analysis, and logical reasoning to excel in scientific research, experimentation, and analysis.
5. Network within the Scientific Community: Building a strong professional network within the scientific community can open doors to various opportunities. Attend conferences, seminars, workshops, and connect with professionals in your field of interest. Networking can lead to collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and valuable insights into the industry.
6. Stay Updated with Advancements: Science is a rapidly evolving field with new discoveries and technologies emerging constantly. Stay updated with the latest advancements by reading scientific journals, attending lectures, and following reputable scientific websites. Continuous learning is key to staying competitive in the ever-changing landscape of science.
7. Cultivate Perseverance and Resilience: Success in a science-related career often requires perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. Embrace failures as learning opportunities, stay persistent in pursuing your goals, and remain resilient in overcoming obstacles along your career path.
By following these steps and maintaining dedication to your goals, you can increase your chances of success in pursuing a science-related career.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Science Foundation (NSF): The National Science Foundation is a government agency that supports research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering. It provides valuable information on scientific advancements, funding opportunities, and resources for individuals pursuing careers in science.
Nature Research Journals: Nature Research Journals are renowned for publishing high-impact scientific research across various disciplines. Accessing articles from these journals can help individuals stay informed about cutting-edge developments in their respective fields of interest.
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS): The AAAS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world. It offers resources such as publications, conferences, and programs that support scientists at all stages of their careers.
God Bless You,
James C.
Updated
April’s Answer
This is a great question! I've always been wary of doing something I ADORE as a career. To me it would feel like working at Disneyland: all the fun would be drained right out of it. You've probably heard people say that if you do something you love you will never work a day in your life, BUT... Adam Grant (an organizational psychologist who wrote Think Again) said not too long ago that when you do something you love for work you kind of work all the time. I think this is true.
It may be helpful to choose what you love doing so much that you don't want it to be spoiled by being the way you sustain yourself financially and keep that as a hobby. What do you do that you like and are naturally good at? Is it a field you believe you can find work in? Enough work to make a comfortable living? (You will also need to define what a comfortable living means for you.) I work in organizational psychology and I do love it and I do sort of work all the time, but the passions I don't rely on to make a living are still a great joy to me partly because I don't HAVE to do them.
I am certainly not saying don't follow your passion and your dreams -- by ALL means do! But keep Disneyland and Adam Grant in mind. :)
Make a list of your hobbies/favorite things to do (Everything: swimming, writing, volleyball, coding, hanging out with your dog, everything!)
Weed out the ones that aren't like to pay enough to sustain you
Weed out the ones that you aren't naturally good at, even if you love them (You aren't going to stop doing them!)
When you are down to 2-3, take a look at what's left and do some research (ask more questions here!) and see how you feel about them
Know that very people are ever 100% sure what they want to with their lives from an early age-- there is always time to change your mind!
It may be helpful to choose what you love doing so much that you don't want it to be spoiled by being the way you sustain yourself financially and keep that as a hobby. What do you do that you like and are naturally good at? Is it a field you believe you can find work in? Enough work to make a comfortable living? (You will also need to define what a comfortable living means for you.) I work in organizational psychology and I do love it and I do sort of work all the time, but the passions I don't rely on to make a living are still a great joy to me partly because I don't HAVE to do them.
I am certainly not saying don't follow your passion and your dreams -- by ALL means do! But keep Disneyland and Adam Grant in mind. :)
April recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
This is and can be a very gray area if you’re not sure. From personal experience, I’ve been a dancer at heart since the age of two, did many performances, competitions, and even a college degree. What makes it gray is that when you make any hobby a full time career, recognize whether or not it’s still a passion you see making financial rewards with or a personal hobby for down time. If making money takes away the joy of it, then it’s most likely still a hobby. If you feel the passion and know it would both help make a difference in our modern society, it’s an honest choice that you should pursue as a dream job and alway come back to reassess it and adjust the steps you need to reach those goals to keep that dream alive. If you feel your choice is too commercial or not fulfilling, then maybe it’s more of a hobby to share with friends during down time. Either way, make sure you spend time where you feel it is most valuable and that will help align your values and aspirations.
Updated
Steve’s Answer
If I understand your question correctly you like science and you are trying to separate the hobby from the career. If this is in fact your question I have a question for you WHY?
A little story, I graduated high school in 1985, among other things I really enjoyed computers, they were new and I am a geek at heart and enjoyed building them, programming them and many other things although I looked at it as what I did in my spare time. Very few schools had Computer Science departments or even majors and no one was really sure what the job market would look like, so I went into Accounting and Specialized Management. I figure that was nice and safe and I could make a good living. Graduated from college got a great job where I had a job path to become an officer in my company in 4 or 5 years but I absolutely hated it! (Nothing wrong with Accounting I just did not like it).
One of my functions was interacting with our part time programmer and in one of our discussions he said to me why are you doing this you seem miserable but when you are working on the computer you seem excited. By the end of the week and a lot of discussions I was enrolled in an Information technology program at night and eventually left my job. I took a few different jobs where I could get my foot in the door due to my business background but also had places where I could get some computer experience. after 1 1/2 years I landed a job with my current company (This was 1991) and in addition to getting a job I wanted they paid for the remainder of my Bachelor's degree and Years later my Masters. I have gotten to explore many roles in my 33 years here and have enjoyed every minute and the only regret I had was not doing this right out of the gate!
The point is, you should be interested and passionate and driven by the subject that you do for a good portion of your waking hours. It will never be perfect or easy but if you can take what you love and make that be what you do you truly have found the key to a fulfilling work career that likely will not feel like work!
Good Luck and I hope and pray your career and passions converge!
A little story, I graduated high school in 1985, among other things I really enjoyed computers, they were new and I am a geek at heart and enjoyed building them, programming them and many other things although I looked at it as what I did in my spare time. Very few schools had Computer Science departments or even majors and no one was really sure what the job market would look like, so I went into Accounting and Specialized Management. I figure that was nice and safe and I could make a good living. Graduated from college got a great job where I had a job path to become an officer in my company in 4 or 5 years but I absolutely hated it! (Nothing wrong with Accounting I just did not like it).
One of my functions was interacting with our part time programmer and in one of our discussions he said to me why are you doing this you seem miserable but when you are working on the computer you seem excited. By the end of the week and a lot of discussions I was enrolled in an Information technology program at night and eventually left my job. I took a few different jobs where I could get my foot in the door due to my business background but also had places where I could get some computer experience. after 1 1/2 years I landed a job with my current company (This was 1991) and in addition to getting a job I wanted they paid for the remainder of my Bachelor's degree and Years later my Masters. I have gotten to explore many roles in my 33 years here and have enjoyed every minute and the only regret I had was not doing this right out of the gate!
The point is, you should be interested and passionate and driven by the subject that you do for a good portion of your waking hours. It will never be perfect or easy but if you can take what you love and make that be what you do you truly have found the key to a fulfilling work career that likely will not feel like work!
Good Luck and I hope and pray your career and passions converge!
Updated
Megan’s Answer
I tell students that there are 3 things you need to understand when you are planning your future:
1. Yourself- understand your personality, your skills, your interests, and how they will serve you in a career
2. Your options- what majors, what careers, how to pay for school. Recourses like https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ are good for exploring your options
3. Your goals- what do you want when you think of your lifestyle? your salary? college life? experiences? where do you want to live and work? What matters to you?
To figure these things out you will want to:
1. Ask for help- talk to your school counselor, people in these careers, your parents, teachers
2. Explore- get hands-on experience. Job shadow, volunteer, part-time job, internship whatever you can do that helps you learn what careers you like
I hope this helps!
1. Yourself- understand your personality, your skills, your interests, and how they will serve you in a career
2. Your options- what majors, what careers, how to pay for school. Recourses like https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ are good for exploring your options
3. Your goals- what do you want when you think of your lifestyle? your salary? college life? experiences? where do you want to live and work? What matters to you?
To figure these things out you will want to:
1. Ask for help- talk to your school counselor, people in these careers, your parents, teachers
2. Explore- get hands-on experience. Job shadow, volunteer, part-time job, internship whatever you can do that helps you learn what careers you like
I hope this helps!